Clonidine (Injection)

Introduction

Clonidine (KLOE-ni-deen)

Treats severe pain caused by cancer.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Duraclon

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to clonidine. You should not receive this medicine if you have bleeding disorders or if you are using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

This medicine is given through a needle placed in your spinal cord.

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using blood pressure medicine such as beta blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Toprol®, or Inderal®) or calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil, nifedipine, Lotrel®, or Norvasc®).

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to treat depression, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, Elavil®, Pamelor®, or Sinequan®.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines such as digoxin (Lanoxin®) or fluphenazine.

Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or heart disease.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Make sure that you don't stop taking this medicine without first talking with your doctor to make sure it is okay

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.